Mick McCarthy admits that he doesn’t yet know loanee Bilel Mohsni’s best position. The Southend man, who has made five substitute appearances for the Blues during his three-month spell, was primarily a central defender with the Shrimpers but has also operated up front and in midfield.

The French-Tunisian was the unlucky sixth domestic loanee left out of the squad for Tuesday’s game against Nottingham Forest but McCarthy says there are no thoughts about sending him back to Roots Hall: “He’s got to hang around until anything changes because he’s here until January. There’s nothing going to happen on that.

“We might get an injury to some of the loan players and he might have to be involved. Sadly, that’s the position we’re in, we’ve got those loan players and he has to miss out.”

Meanwhile, left-back Kelly Youga, who joined the Blues on a short-term deal recently, was involved in a practice match at Playford Road on Wednesday: “He’s doing all right," said his manager.

"He’s had a long-term injury. We had a bit of a game here yesterday amongst the players and he did OK.

“But that’s a shot in the dark, just a punt. If he gets himself fully fit and he can play, he will be an option. If he doesn’t, it’ll be nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Town are without an U21 game in which fringe players such as Mohsni and Youga can play – three overage outfielders plus a keeper are permitted – until they visit Charlton on January 14th and McCarthy says the club will be arranging some friendlies between now and then.

I guess he needs to impress a bit more on the training pitch. He's looked fired up when he comes on from the bench but also looks as a risk player for taking an early bath. A bit like a rough cut version of Micky Stockwell.

A Utility player !!! maybe - I have never seem him play - just warm up and pre match - Possibly at the back maybe the only place he could get in with injuries - Higgi has lost confidence and form and if Chambers or Smith got injured would need some cover ?

Would like to see him get a bit more time on pitch.Understand he played at the back against Walsham-le-Willows and looked keen when making first team cameo performances;would be a pity ifhe didn't get a bit more game time to prove himself

SURELY - if the guy needs to perform better in training to get into the team then he himself has to tell the manager which position he wants a shot at ... so as to try to force the issue ..... just a thought?

I read a post on hear somewhere,saying he is a very powerful header of the ball and that he has quite good mobility and reasonable ball control for the big lump that he is ,agreeing with (TimmyH) on what was the point of the loan would like to see at least half a game or more from him i have this feeling he might impress.